Vehicle alignment do you really get it within 1/32?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 222
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From: Northeast Massachusetts
Vehicle alignment do you really get it within 1/32?
Ive never been able to achieve this level of accuracy per the fsm. Im somewhere between 1/16 to 1/8. Am i close enough here? My 06 fxdli is pulling hard left. Im going to move on to the stabilizer and go for a ride to see what happens. Am i wasting my time if rear axle is not to specs?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Philly Suburbs
Ive never been able to achieve this level of accuracy per the fsm. Im somewhere between 1/16 to 1/8. Am i close enough here? My 06 fxdli is pulling hard left. Im going to move on to the stabilizer and go for a ride to see what happens. Am i wasting my time if rear axle is not to specs?
Not being a wiseguy, but there are so many elements of "alignment" with a Dyna that I just want to understand exactly what you mean...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Use the "string" method.
Or, better yet, the rubberband method.
OP~ Since your bike "pulls to the left", do you need to push slightly on the left handgrip to achieve "straight & level?"
How worn are your tires? (Yes, a worn tire profile can absolutely cause a bike to " pull left.")
I fixed a BMW once that pulled left by replacing the steering head bearings and races.
Never did find the actual problem (other than detented races from a wheelie landing.)
Told the owner, Don't do wheelies anymore!
Turns out BMW has soft races in their bearings.
Or, better yet, the rubberband method.
OP~ Since your bike "pulls to the left", do you need to push slightly on the left handgrip to achieve "straight & level?"
How worn are your tires? (Yes, a worn tire profile can absolutely cause a bike to " pull left.")
I fixed a BMW once that pulled left by replacing the steering head bearings and races.
Never did find the actual problem (other than detented races from a wheelie landing.)
Told the owner, Don't do wheelies anymore!
Turns out BMW has soft races in their bearings.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Northeast Massachusetts
I don't think you're being a wiseguy don't sweat it. I thought I was trying to be clear when I was referring to the manual and what I was referring to was the measurement of 1/32 of an inch from the hole in the swingarm to the center of the axle so basically the rear wheel alignment in the manual. The step that comes after The fallaway test. My measurements for the fall away were within the acceptable range. Tires are brand-new with less than 50 miles on the by the way
Last edited by Lockeshill; Sep 2, 2016 at 11:21 AM. Reason: Missing info
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From: Philly Suburbs
I don't think you're being a wiseguy don't sweat it. I thought I was trying to be clear when I was referring to the manual and what I was referring to was the measurement of 1/32 of an inch from the hole in the swingarm to the center of the axle so basically the rear wheel alignment in the manual. The step that comes after The fallaway test. My measurements for the fall away were within the acceptable range. Tires are brand-new with less than 50 miles on the by the way
But it did take several attempts... It would seem right in the air, then seem slightly off with weight on it, it would be perfect until I torqued the axle nut, etc.
I just did it several times over a few days until it seemed right on.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Northern VA
I was hoping there would be an aftermarket axle or arrangement that would make aligning the rear wheel less of an art form but didn't see anything. On my last go around I used an axle plug tool on the left side:
The right side didn't have room for it between the exhaust. It was better but still guess work. Like F86 just play with it until you're comfortable.
The right side didn't have room for it between the exhaust. It was better but still guess work. Like F86 just play with it until you're comfortable.
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From: NW Ohio
1/32 shouldn't be too hard. Make sure you've got accurate measuring tools AND methods. An alignment tool (bent wire) helps. Make sure you pre-load the axle nut and adjuster nuts during/after rough-in so that you need a wrench to make the adjusters turn (CW only) and so that when tightening the axle, it doesn't creep.